DATCP announces $450K settlement with CenturyLink over price misrepresentation allegations

Internet provider CenturyLink will pay Wisconsin $450,000 to settle allegations that it misrepresented its monthly prices, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced Thursday. The Department alleged that, between April 2015 and December 2017, CenturyLink advertised a promotion to “lock in” a fixed monthly subscription cost for its internet services. However, the company then charged additional monthly fees in the form of broadband cost recovery fees. The fees were allegedly increased over time as well, from $1.99 in April 2015 to $3.99 in October 2016. CenturyLink would not admit fault in the settlement, but did agree to pay $270,000 in civil forfeiture and $180,000 in other charges. The service provider also agreed to not misrepresent its subscription terms in advertisements, bills or other communications with Wisconsin consumers. The company also agreed to stop charging internet cost recovery fees and broadband cost recovery fees to Wisconsin consumers.